ALBANY - Gov. Andrew Cuomo pledged Friday to fight off-shore drilling in New York, joking that he would lead a "citizen fleet" reminiscent of the Battle of Dunkirk during World War II if the federal government forges ahead.

Cuomo introduced legislation called the "Save Our Waters" bill to prohibit the leasing of lands for off-shore drilling and exploration for oil and gas in New York.

But then Cuomo's vow took an unexpected turn: He starting talking about how Winston Churchill enlisted citizens to fight in Dunkirk during World War II.

He then said New York would start a "citizen fleet" if the federal government moves toward off-shore drilling off the coast of New York.

"I am going to commission a citizen fleet from throughout the state to go out and interfere with their federal effort just as Winston Churchill did in Dunkirk," Cuomo said to chuckles from the crowd in Manhattan.

"If you think I'm kidding, I'm not, and I'm going to lead that citizen fleet."

Cuomo said he would lead a state effort to fight any off-shore drilling in New York and press the state Legislature to pass a ban into law before the legislative session ends in mid-June.

The bill, he said, would prohibit leases for oil and gas exploration or production in New York waters, including Long Island, New York City and the Hudson River.

It would also ban transportation "within the navigable waters of the state" of crude oil produced from the federal waters

On Tuesday, the Democratic-led Assembly passed environmental measures that included an off-shore drilling ban.

“As Washington continues to roll back environmental protections and jeopardize public health, legislation like this Earth Day package is critical to ensuring a safe, healthy environment for generations of New Yorkers to come," Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, D-Bronx, said in a statement.